In a Thanksgiving rematch and division matchup, the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions (10-4) will travel to Chicago to take on the struggling Bears (5-9).
Quarterback Jimmy Clausen makes his season debut as a starter for the Bears as a result of the Jay Cutler benching. You would have to go all the way back to the former Notre Dame signal-caller’s rookie year to examine his success (or lack thereof) as a starter. In 2010, Clausen earned a -8.8 passing grade and accumulated 11 turnovers across 13 starts. He signed with Chicago in June and won the backup spot in training camp. In 70 2014 preseason snaps, Clausen averaged a modest 7.6 yards per attempt and accumulated an 84.4 PFF QB Rating.
Clausen may be thrown to the wolves against a stingy Lions defensive unit. Cornerback Darius Slay is having a strong sophomore season. The former second-round pick has allowed a reception for every 11.3 coverage snaps, and opposing quarterbacks have earned a 76.4 rating when throwing into his primary coverage. Safety Glover Quin has been great in coverage this season as well. Quin has a position-leading six interceptions and 30.7 opposing QB Rating when being targeted in coverage. It could be another long day at Soldier Field for the Chicago Bears on Sunday if Detroit’s defense continues to roll.
Here are three more notable numbers for each side:
Detroit Lions
Ndamukong Suh – His 48 total pressures lead all defensive tackles in 2014, with seven coming in his past two games.
Golden Tate – Tate has the highest Yards Per Route Run (in a tie with Randall Cobb) when lined up in the slot with 1.98.
DeAndre Levy – Levy leads all 4-3 outside linebackers with 73 total stops in 2014 (42 against the run, 31 in the passing game).
Chicago Bears
Martellus Bennett – Bennett's 1.80 Yards Per Route Run places him fifth among tight ends while his +7.2 receiving grade ranks him third at his position.
Jay Ratliff – The defensive tackle’s 9.4 Pass Rush Productivity is good for fifth at his position in 2014.
Kyle Long – Long is the seventh-best guard in terms of Pass Blocking Efficiency (98.1) and has yet to allow a sack this season.
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